A former firefighter who retired more than 60 years ago has become America’s oldest living man at the age of 111.
Edwin George “Ed” Martin, who was born on 15 February 1915, has officially inherited the title following the death of the previous record holder.
The remarkable retiree has lived through two world wars, 20 US presidents and countless historic moments during his extraordinary life.
READ MORE: Woman slips and falls 100ft to death while applying insect repellent on steep trailREAD MORE:
Martin hung up his firefighter’s helmet in 1964 – the same year the Beatles took America by storm.
He was confirmed as the oldest known living man in the United States after the death of Luis Cano last week.
Longevity research organisation LongeviQuest, which validated Martin’s age in January 2025, has identified him as the leading candidate for the title and the only known American man aged 111 or older.
Cano, the previous record holder and the last known surviving American man born in 1914, died in Linden, New Jersey, on 15 June aged 111 years and 188 days, as reported by Need To Know.
He had held the title since the death of Eugene Baltes in December 2024.
Martin joined the Baltimore County Fire Department in 1943 and spent his career at the Edgemere station, eventually rising to the rank of captain.
After 21 years of service, he retired and moved to Florida, where he has now lived for more than six decades.
The fire department has publicly celebrated both his 110th and 111th birthdays, describing him as the world’s oldest living firefighter.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Martin began his working life at Bethlehem Steel before joining the fire service.
He was also involved with the North Point Edgemere Volunteer Fire Department and later supported the Lehigh Acres Volunteer Fire Department after relocating to Florida.
Martin and his late wife Vernie were well known for their involvement in local community activities, including scouting groups.
The supercentenarian celebrated his 111th birthday on 15 February in Lehigh Acres, Florida, where he still lives today.
The Gerontology Research Group has also fully validated his historical records, confirming him as America’s oldest validated living man and one of the 10 oldest known people in the world.
At 111, Martin is now the only documented American man born in 1915 still alive.
READ MORE: Plane passengers terrified as power bank fills cabin with thick smoke
